Visual Effects (VFX) Artist – Contract

At Velan Studios, we foster a culture of curiosity. Our games embrace diversity and are fueled by the adventurous spirit of our team. We are the creative minds behind titles like Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit, Knockout City, Hot Wheels Rift Rally, Bounce Arcade, and Midnight Murder Club, with multiple new projects in the works! Our studio’s mission is to pioneer groundbreaking gaming experiences and reimagine play in new ways. We’re committed to pushing the boundaries of traditional gaming, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy, and revolutionizing the industry one game at a time.

We are looking for skilled, passionate VFX artists for a 6 month contract position.

Responsibilities

• Craft and create a wide range of VFX for original and existing IP game properties.
• Work closely with the Art Director and other key team leaders to help define and build out the VFX look and style for our projects.
• Collaborate with the design and art teams to develop high-quality assets that reinforce the gameplay goals of our projects.
• Be proactive in problem-solving and cross-discipline brainstorming throughout project production cycles.
• Contribute to peer reviews, troubleshoot, problem solve, and give and receive constructive feedback.
• Bring a strong understanding of modern artistic toolsets and typical AAA game engine experience.

• 5+ years of game industry experience on console, mobile, handheld and/or PC platforms preferred.
• Degree or equivalent experience in Digital Media Design, Game Design, Illustration, or related field is desired.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience working in real time or game VFX.
• Strong portfolio of shipped games (mobile, console, PC) or other website or software products.
• Excellent technical art understanding in order to better work with our engineering team, as well as to better work within the limits of various hardware platforms.
• Strong organizational skills with adherence to optimization and asset management.
• Passion for making and playing great games, with an awareness of current titles and industry trends.
• Self-direction, passion, and creativity in your work.
• A receptiveness to feedback and the ability to act successfully on direct critique.

Big Plusses

• Experience or skill in one or more additional disciplines (e.g. Concepting, Animation, User Interface, Lighting, Design, etc.)
• Technical expertise with standard industry toolsets and/or experience with scripting languages.
• Have a working knowledge of an industry standard vfx system such as Unreal Niagara, Unity VFX Graph, or Popcorn.
• Experience with EmberGen.
• Experience with Substance Designer.
• Ability to create from your own ideas, not just from pre-existing concept art.
• Leadership and/or mentoring experience.